title: Bariatric procedures: an update on techniques, outcomes and complications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Obesity is a rising epidemic, and it is projected that over 700 million people will be obese by 2015. As the number of people with morbid obesity rises, so will the number of bariatric procedures performed. The goal of this article is to review current surgical and endoscopic options for weight loss in morbidly obese patients including their efficacy and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  New bariatric surgical techniques have been developed with the goals of maximizing weight loss and metabolic outcomes, while minimizing complications. In addition, there is a role for therapeutic endoscopy in treating obesity as well as managing bariatric surgical complications. As the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery are better elucidated, bariatric surgeries may provide a role in treatment of metabolic syndrome in mildly obese individuals. For those with insufficient weight loss, revisional bariatric surgeries have been performed with varying success.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and its comorbidities. Several bariatric surgeries are available, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for choosing the best procedure for the appropriate candidate, along with providing long-term follow-up care to maximize outcome.
authors.affiliation: UMass Memorial Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Baptista
authors.forename: Wahid
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wassef
mesh_terms: D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss